Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations

Bill To Boost Coach Training To Spot Student Concussions

Last month, California Assembly member Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) introduced a bill (AB 1451) that would require high school coaches to receive additional sports medicine training for identifying concussions. A law (AB 25) passed in October 2011 that requires a physician's approval before high school athletes can resume play following a head injury does not apply to club competitions. As a result, observers say the measure sometimes leaves coaches responsible for recognizing concussion symptoms.